Western Ukraine report for winter 2013.
It is well past time for an update on what is going on in Ukraine, since
brethren returned home to Canada from Ivano Frankivsk in last
September.
We are very thankful that brothers from the Lviv assembly, have gone
to hold a meeting each Tuesday in Ivano. Two Ukrainian brothers,
Ruslan and Vladimir went up while Edmund Johnston was in Ireland and
then all three have gone up since his return to Lviv.
This is very encouraging, as numbers drop off when no meetings are
held for several months at a time.
Dan Perez had tried unsuccessfully to acquire a visa to stay longer in
Ukraine, but it seems that the Authorities do not encourage giving
visa’s anymore. He plans, at this point, are to go back as soon as God
gives him the opportunity and stay for the 90 days, which is the time
allowed as a vistor.
The work in Lviv continues and the outreach into the surrounding areas,
once “serviced” by our late sister Flora Kancir. We are glad to say that
we have arranged for a young couple in the assembly in Lviv, to move
into Flo’s apartment as caretakers. They are very happy and are very
willing to have brethren and sisters stay with them when they arrive
from abroad. They are also receiving the boxes sent from abroad and
helping the Johnston’s sort the clothes.
We were very happy to hear that a brother, Yaroslav from Ivano, has
been brought into the assembly in Lviv and is being a help in preaching
the word. He lives in Ivano but comes up to Lviv by bus every Sunday, a
2 hour drive. Another sister Luba comes with him as well, with her
daughter.
Since starting this report, we had news that the van used in Ivano was
in a nasty accident. Volodia, who lives in Lviv, has been looking after the
van in our absence, had taken 3 people to the bus station and another
lady to her home, when he made an error in judgement and was hit by
a car in the driver’s door. Fortunately, neither driver was injured at all.
The insurance is paying for the other vehicle but there is no insurance
on our vehicle. The van is presently being fixed and will cost about
$12to $1500.00. Volodia has pledged to pay for the repairs, but we will
be helping with as much as we can. He is very humbled and repentant.
We are praying that someone will be exercised to go to Ivano in March,
as there are many boxes waiting to be distributed to the poor and
needy and many people need to hear the Word of God. We would love
to have some younger brothers and sisters go with us and get a taste
for the work.
Just a note to say that anyone having boxes to send should consider
sending them to Lviv, as well as Ivano, as there is a great need in both
areas. Anyone needing information about what is needed can write to
our new e-mail site godsworkukraine@gmail.com. This site will make
sure we don’t lose any correspondence you may send to us.
Thank you for reading this report and praying for God to continue to
bless His work and workers in Ukraine.
Malcolm and Jean Stanley
godsworkukraine@gmail.com
Monday, March 4, 2013
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Malcolm's Report
Report of the happenings in Ukraine since I left on November 6th.
Several things had taken our time while in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk during the month of October.
One of most important decisions that had to be made was concerning the apartment that was rented by
our late Sister, Flo Kancir. It had been rented by Flo until March 2013 but we were concerned with what
should be done after that date.
The concern was in two areas, the first being where would people stay as the arrived or left Ukraine, as
we had always stayed in Flo’s apartment? The second was where would the boxes of clothing go to be
stored and sorted before distribution?
Contact was made first of all with the owner of the apartment as to whether he was willing to still rent
the apartment and would the rent stay the same? He is willing to rent to us and the rent would stay the
same at $450.00US per month.
All the brethren and sisters who have been in the habit of visiting in this area, were contacted and asked
their opinion about re-renting, and if they agreed, would they be prepared to contribute to the annual
rent of $5400.00US. They all agreed to contribute as God would supply and so are trusting the full
amount will be available by next March.
Our next concern was the possibility of having a caretaker family live in the apartment to keep it in good
order and be willing to host the visiting missionaries. Prior to making any decision about this, there was
a concern about a family in the fellowship in Lviv assembly, who were living in anything but congenial
circumstances. 7 people of 4 generations in one small apartment. One young couple Lubchic and Nadia,
with a 4 year old child Vitali, were contacted as to their willingness to take on this responsibility. We are
glad to say they have accepted the opportunity and will move in on December 1st. Because of adverse
circumstances, they will not be able to contribute to the rent or utilities. The assembly in Lviv will look
after the utilities.
The second need was to acquire a newer van for use in Lviv. The present one, purchased several years
ago, having over 400,000kms on it, was becoming unreliable on long trips. A newer, high headroom van
was purchased in Belgium and has now been fitted with seats and windows and is ready to use. This
vehicle will also be used to pick up elderly people to bring to meetings and to take humanitarian aid
when visiting orphanages.
The funds for this vehicle were sent from the USA and Canada. The old vehicle was also sold for $3,000.
Thank you to those who gave to this need.
The second Conference was held in Lviv and people from 3 areas came for the ministry. The time of
fellowship was excellent and the gospel and Ministry very suitable to the company gathered. Dennis
Williamson of N Ireland, Howard Pratt of Canada, Dan Perez of USA and Malcolm Stanley of Canada all
took part in the Ministry and Gospel.
Since Howard and Malcolm returned home, Louis Smith and Eric Fowler spent time in Ivano and all have
now returned home. Two Brethren have agreed to come to Ivano from Lviv and continue a mid-week
meeting. This will help until someone returns, hopefully in the New Year. We are praying for others to
be exercised about the work in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk. We need younger men, as at present, all
are pensioners with the exception of Dan Perez and Eric Fowler. The door is still open for the preaching
of the Word in schools, orphanages senior’s homes and in our apartment.
As most of you will know, reports from the workers are posted on this blog and can also be forwarded to
individuals by e-mail. Thank you for your interest and support in prayer and in supplying for the needs of
the work in that most needy country.
Yours by Grace.
Malcolm Stanley.
Christian Assembly Work in Ukraine.
210 Alfred Ave.
Portage la Prairie MB. R1N0H3
Several things had taken our time while in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk during the month of October.
One of most important decisions that had to be made was concerning the apartment that was rented by
our late Sister, Flo Kancir. It had been rented by Flo until March 2013 but we were concerned with what
should be done after that date.
The concern was in two areas, the first being where would people stay as the arrived or left Ukraine, as
we had always stayed in Flo’s apartment? The second was where would the boxes of clothing go to be
stored and sorted before distribution?
Contact was made first of all with the owner of the apartment as to whether he was willing to still rent
the apartment and would the rent stay the same? He is willing to rent to us and the rent would stay the
same at $450.00US per month.
All the brethren and sisters who have been in the habit of visiting in this area, were contacted and asked
their opinion about re-renting, and if they agreed, would they be prepared to contribute to the annual
rent of $5400.00US. They all agreed to contribute as God would supply and so are trusting the full
amount will be available by next March.
Our next concern was the possibility of having a caretaker family live in the apartment to keep it in good
order and be willing to host the visiting missionaries. Prior to making any decision about this, there was
a concern about a family in the fellowship in Lviv assembly, who were living in anything but congenial
circumstances. 7 people of 4 generations in one small apartment. One young couple Lubchic and Nadia,
with a 4 year old child Vitali, were contacted as to their willingness to take on this responsibility. We are
glad to say they have accepted the opportunity and will move in on December 1st. Because of adverse
circumstances, they will not be able to contribute to the rent or utilities. The assembly in Lviv will look
after the utilities.
The second need was to acquire a newer van for use in Lviv. The present one, purchased several years
ago, having over 400,000kms on it, was becoming unreliable on long trips. A newer, high headroom van
was purchased in Belgium and has now been fitted with seats and windows and is ready to use. This
vehicle will also be used to pick up elderly people to bring to meetings and to take humanitarian aid
when visiting orphanages.
The funds for this vehicle were sent from the USA and Canada. The old vehicle was also sold for $3,000.
Thank you to those who gave to this need.
The second Conference was held in Lviv and people from 3 areas came for the ministry. The time of
fellowship was excellent and the gospel and Ministry very suitable to the company gathered. Dennis
Williamson of N Ireland, Howard Pratt of Canada, Dan Perez of USA and Malcolm Stanley of Canada all
took part in the Ministry and Gospel.
Since Howard and Malcolm returned home, Louis Smith and Eric Fowler spent time in Ivano and all have
now returned home. Two Brethren have agreed to come to Ivano from Lviv and continue a mid-week
meeting. This will help until someone returns, hopefully in the New Year. We are praying for others to
be exercised about the work in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk. We need younger men, as at present, all
are pensioners with the exception of Dan Perez and Eric Fowler. The door is still open for the preaching
of the Word in schools, orphanages senior’s homes and in our apartment.
As most of you will know, reports from the workers are posted on this blog and can also be forwarded to
individuals by e-mail. Thank you for your interest and support in prayer and in supplying for the needs of
the work in that most needy country.
Yours by Grace.
Malcolm Stanley.
Christian Assembly Work in Ukraine.
210 Alfred Ave.
Portage la Prairie MB. R1N0H3
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Dan Report
November 05, 2012,
Monday) Monday we woke up to a quiet morning! Yesterday we took Malcolm and Howard to
Lviv, both spoke at the morning meeting and had very good messages! Do pray that God will
Bless all that they have done while here! Then we picked up Louis and make it on time for our
meeting, a good number out and listened very well! After the meeting one Lady (Oksana)
stayed behind and talked with Louis and me about her daughter who flipped out and now in a
psych ward, much prayer is needed!
Today had my first Ukrainian class, though overdue, better late than never! This class was a
two hour lesson and afterward I felt as if I made a trip to Lviv and back, it took a lot out of me
but think I need as much as I can handle to learn this difficult language!
Tuesday) Left in the morning to visit an orphanage for mentally ill girls, ages about 8-35, in a
town called Kolamaya. We talked with a small group of kids that have some kind of
comprehension, then had small talk with the director and a few staff. We brought clothes and
cleaning supplies to give to this orphanage.
Before leaving the town we stopped at the main school to talk to the principal to ask
permission to speak to the kids. It was a very nice school and the office was very nice and big,
the principal looked very serious. I was having flash backs to when I was in school and had to
see the principal. I thought he might throw us out of his office but he seemed to have warmed
up to Louie and was willing to have us speak, so we made an appointment with the Christian
Ethics teacher for next week. This school is the largest in this town 1200 students possibly the
largest we have spoken in, Louie did very well in talking to the principal!!
Wednesday) had my second two hour Ukrainian lesson, while I was there Louis and Vladimir
had a talk at the apartment with Luba, one of the ladies from our meeting and who is in
fellowship at the Lviv assembly. She had some questions about the Bible that they discussed
and family and relational problems that ended up being the main topic.
After this we went out for dinner with Ruslan and his wife Anna, (they were part of that church
group that came up with us to the Lviv conference), at the restaurant Ruslan had many
questions about Christian living and about eternal security. We later went to his house for some
coffee and tea. Vladimir was trying to get his computer to run faster while more questions
came up about eternal security. After a few hours there and our talk at the restaurant it looked
like a few light bulbs turned on as we went through parts of the Scriptures. Ruslan professes to
be saved but thinks the church group he was with has confused him and his wife. It was a very
profitable time we had together!
Thursday) Boxes came in the morning from Portage La Prairie CA. A big thank you to them!
We sorted out the boxes and prepare some to take with us to a town we will be visiting tomorrow. Then Louis went out to make a phone call at a place where international calls are
not too expensive. While he was in the booth the worker, who didn't know he was there closed
the place and left for lunch. Louis tried to leave but he was locked in and had to wait a half hour
or more for the worker to come back, it was good he made it back home.
We then had our new Thursday meeting. There were 7 of us all together and had a very good
talk about Geneses 5, 6. One man, who has lived in England, brought a pamphlet with him from
England that talked about the gospel and was from a gospel hall in the area. After the meeting
Taras, another young man, stayed behind with some questions about salvation, he did this
before and do believe he is still searching!
We will be picking up Eric on Sunday, Please continue to pray for these meeting and for our
visitations!
In Christ our Lord
Louis, Dan
Monday) Monday we woke up to a quiet morning! Yesterday we took Malcolm and Howard to
Lviv, both spoke at the morning meeting and had very good messages! Do pray that God will
Bless all that they have done while here! Then we picked up Louis and make it on time for our
meeting, a good number out and listened very well! After the meeting one Lady (Oksana)
stayed behind and talked with Louis and me about her daughter who flipped out and now in a
psych ward, much prayer is needed!
Today had my first Ukrainian class, though overdue, better late than never! This class was a
two hour lesson and afterward I felt as if I made a trip to Lviv and back, it took a lot out of me
but think I need as much as I can handle to learn this difficult language!
Tuesday) Left in the morning to visit an orphanage for mentally ill girls, ages about 8-35, in a
town called Kolamaya. We talked with a small group of kids that have some kind of
comprehension, then had small talk with the director and a few staff. We brought clothes and
cleaning supplies to give to this orphanage.
Before leaving the town we stopped at the main school to talk to the principal to ask
permission to speak to the kids. It was a very nice school and the office was very nice and big,
the principal looked very serious. I was having flash backs to when I was in school and had to
see the principal. I thought he might throw us out of his office but he seemed to have warmed
up to Louie and was willing to have us speak, so we made an appointment with the Christian
Ethics teacher for next week. This school is the largest in this town 1200 students possibly the
largest we have spoken in, Louie did very well in talking to the principal!!
Wednesday) had my second two hour Ukrainian lesson, while I was there Louis and Vladimir
had a talk at the apartment with Luba, one of the ladies from our meeting and who is in
fellowship at the Lviv assembly. She had some questions about the Bible that they discussed
and family and relational problems that ended up being the main topic.
After this we went out for dinner with Ruslan and his wife Anna, (they were part of that church
group that came up with us to the Lviv conference), at the restaurant Ruslan had many
questions about Christian living and about eternal security. We later went to his house for some
coffee and tea. Vladimir was trying to get his computer to run faster while more questions
came up about eternal security. After a few hours there and our talk at the restaurant it looked
like a few light bulbs turned on as we went through parts of the Scriptures. Ruslan professes to
be saved but thinks the church group he was with has confused him and his wife. It was a very
profitable time we had together!
Thursday) Boxes came in the morning from Portage La Prairie CA. A big thank you to them!
We sorted out the boxes and prepare some to take with us to a town we will be visiting tomorrow. Then Louis went out to make a phone call at a place where international calls are
not too expensive. While he was in the booth the worker, who didn't know he was there closed
the place and left for lunch. Louis tried to leave but he was locked in and had to wait a half hour
or more for the worker to come back, it was good he made it back home.
We then had our new Thursday meeting. There were 7 of us all together and had a very good
talk about Geneses 5, 6. One man, who has lived in England, brought a pamphlet with him from
England that talked about the gospel and was from a gospel hall in the area. After the meeting
Taras, another young man, stayed behind with some questions about salvation, he did this
before and do believe he is still searching!
We will be picking up Eric on Sunday, Please continue to pray for these meeting and for our
visitations!
In Christ our Lord
Louis, Dan
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Malcolm Report #8
Ukraine report #8 Nov 1-3rd.
Thursday,
we visited a lady who professed to be saved some time ago but has many
doubts and home problems. She has a very sparse apartment and a 20 year
old son who is a concern to her, they both sleep in the one room. We had a good talk about eternal security and told her she did not need to confess to a priest, once Christ had forgiven her. People are so tied to the church here and find it hard to just trust Christ and His finished work.
At 4 pm a lady Lena and her 13 year old daughter came to the apartment to talk. She was a delightful Christian lady who wanted to let her daughter hear what we said about the gospel. Anyway they finished up staying for supper. I made them soup and then they stayed for our next meeting at 7pm.
A new man turned up who Dan and Volodia met at the Sports Complex and was really interested as we talked about the Bible and its history. He promised to come out again next week.
Friday. We went to the Half-Way House Internat or orphanage and spoke to about 15 children and gave out candy and balloons texts and calendars.
We had picked up 6 chalkboards for Peter Village School and plan to take them out on Saturday.
We were invited for lunch to a man named Ruslan and his wife Anya, who had come to Lviv with the other group of people we had met and who then asked to meet with us. We were so impressed with this couple (especially her cooking!) that we stopped and talked for 2 hours. He was saved as a teen but went to the USA and became a citizen and started a very profitable business that took him away from The Lord. He has since repented and come back to the Lord but has suffered a real setback. It seems he has been either wrongly convicted of a felony in the States so had his passport taken as he headed home to Ukraine. He is now stuck with no passport to do any business in Ukraine or the States. He cannot get any help from the US Consulate as to what he is supposed to have done. Very strange but Dan knows some Christian lawyers in the US and is taking all his paperwork to them when he returns.
Out for coffee in the evening and home to bed.
Saturday. We took the chalk-boards out to the school in Petriliv and the staff was delighted with them. The old Communist boards were warped, scratched and had holes in them and were shiny and could not be written on any longer.
While we ate lunch
we talked about the future of the school and what would happen if they
closed it down. The Administrator said that it would probably be made
into a rehabilitation home for troubled children and it would be a
wonderful opportunity for us to work with them in this project. She said
they may not close the school but rather shut of the second floor and
have the school all on the lower level and the rehab upstairs. It sounds
interesting and needs much prayer. Nothing may happen soon but the
child population in Petriliv is dropping each year.
Spent
the rest of the day getting ready to leave for Lviv tomorrow. Went out
to a swanky restaurant for supper and could not believe it only cost
100R each.
God bless and thank you for your prayers. Malcolm, Howard, Dan and Volodia.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Malcolm Report #7
Ukraine Report #7 October 29-31
Monday morning we went to buy some school supplies for Yablunuv or apple village and also ordered some green boards to be made for Peter Village. We then headed off to Yablunuv. This must be a very popular name as we found 3 on the map. The administrator Natalia met us as we arrived and we had our usual chat about the situation in Ukraine with the lack of Government funding for institutions. They only get enough money for food and light and heat but nothing for maintenance of housekeeping. They are always robbing Peter to pay Paul and gong further into debt.
She called all the children into the auditorium and Howard and I spoke to them. There were quite a number of quite young children who were new to me. We gave the teachers some school supplies we had brought and the children some candy. They all listened very well but the older ones are quite unruly when it comes to receiving a gift such as candy. They push and grab and come back again and say they didn’t get any yet. Quite greedy and selfish but I suppose it’s to be expected when raised in an orphanage.
We then went over to the Maternity ward at the hospital and left baby clothes for the 3 mothers there. Not a very busy place at all. The nurse said that not many people are having children in that village.
We then went to the old people’s home in the same building and took a box of clothes for the women and a box of bedding but did not see the old folk’s as most were sleeping, however 5 nurses came to see the boxes and I had the opportunity to speak to them. I think this was the first time this had ever happened; they listened very well.
Tuesday We sorted some boxes to see what was in them as we needed some children’s clothing to take to Stari Lacets. What a name! It means Old People but had many young people and big new houses being built. This is the village we call Luba’s village as her mother-in-law lives there and this is the village we were made so welcome in the school. However, some parents have complained about us coming to the school, as we are not teaching what the priest teaches. So we had to go and have a talk with the priest. We went to the church and he was having a morning meeting, not Mass as they did not eat the wafer or anything. After he finished speaking to about 20 old people he came to us. He was very nice, about 45 or so and had been to the USA and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. He was very impressed.
His problem was that he felt he was teaching the people in the village all they needed to know and wondered how we could teach them anything he had not. He was having a building built next to the church that was going to be a youth centre. We parted friends and he was going to show the bishop our new testament and another book we put into the libraries.
We had been invited to Yaroslav and Halia’s for breakfast so called to see if we came at 10am that would be ok? It was, so Volodia, Howard and I, Dan had stayed home; went for breakfast. I have never had a 6 course breakfast before, It was far too much, as we had eaten breakfast before going out.
We could only stay long enough to eat, but really wanted to talk to Halia, who has been sick and needs help. We rushed back to pick up Dan and 7 boxes to take to Luba’s Village and meet with the troubled kids. We arrived right on time and they were all waiting for us, about 13 boys and one girl. I spoke first, Howard followed and Dan finished. They all listened very well and we can only hope something stuck and will help them not be a disturbance in class and get their work done.
The 3 staff then opened the boxes and sorted clothing for the families of 3 little girls who came in. They have big and very poor families.
We left and rushed back to the garage and got the turn signal problem solved, then went to Yaroslav and Halia’s again to talk, but not before we had another 6 course meal for supper. We had a good talk with Halia but only time will tell if she will be willing to forsake her hold on the Charismatic teachings she has imbibed. Pray for Halia, she is a lovely woman.
And so to home and rest after a mixed up busy day, but a good and Godly one.
Pray for us and those who are coming next week, Louis Smith and Eric Fowler.
Malcolm, Howard Dan and Volodia.
Monday morning we went to buy some school supplies for Yablunuv or apple village and also ordered some green boards to be made for Peter Village. We then headed off to Yablunuv. This must be a very popular name as we found 3 on the map. The administrator Natalia met us as we arrived and we had our usual chat about the situation in Ukraine with the lack of Government funding for institutions. They only get enough money for food and light and heat but nothing for maintenance of housekeeping. They are always robbing Peter to pay Paul and gong further into debt.
She called all the children into the auditorium and Howard and I spoke to them. There were quite a number of quite young children who were new to me. We gave the teachers some school supplies we had brought and the children some candy. They all listened very well but the older ones are quite unruly when it comes to receiving a gift such as candy. They push and grab and come back again and say they didn’t get any yet. Quite greedy and selfish but I suppose it’s to be expected when raised in an orphanage.
We then went over to the Maternity ward at the hospital and left baby clothes for the 3 mothers there. Not a very busy place at all. The nurse said that not many people are having children in that village.
We then went to the old people’s home in the same building and took a box of clothes for the women and a box of bedding but did not see the old folk’s as most were sleeping, however 5 nurses came to see the boxes and I had the opportunity to speak to them. I think this was the first time this had ever happened; they listened very well.
Tuesday We sorted some boxes to see what was in them as we needed some children’s clothing to take to Stari Lacets. What a name! It means Old People but had many young people and big new houses being built. This is the village we call Luba’s village as her mother-in-law lives there and this is the village we were made so welcome in the school. However, some parents have complained about us coming to the school, as we are not teaching what the priest teaches. So we had to go and have a talk with the priest. We went to the church and he was having a morning meeting, not Mass as they did not eat the wafer or anything. After he finished speaking to about 20 old people he came to us. He was very nice, about 45 or so and had been to the USA and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. He was very impressed.
His problem was that he felt he was teaching the people in the village all they needed to know and wondered how we could teach them anything he had not. He was having a building built next to the church that was going to be a youth centre. We parted friends and he was going to show the bishop our new testament and another book we put into the libraries.
We
left him and went back to the school with Halia the Christian ethics
teacher and had lunch and then made plans as to how we could still speak
to groups of children. Halia is very brave and said that the priest did
not say we could not come into the school so we made plans to go back
tomorrow and speak to a group of difficult children and take clothing
for some poor families. Then we had lunch and left for home and meeting
at 5:30pm. About 15 were out again and we had our last meeting before
going home next Tuesday.
Wednesday,
we had an appointment at the garage to get the turn signals adjusted so
that they cancel. The garage was having a problem with getting us in as
planned so we cancelled and re-booked for the afternoon. We had been invited to Yaroslav and Halia’s for breakfast so called to see if we came at 10am that would be ok? It was, so Volodia, Howard and I, Dan had stayed home; went for breakfast. I have never had a 6 course breakfast before, It was far too much, as we had eaten breakfast before going out.
We could only stay long enough to eat, but really wanted to talk to Halia, who has been sick and needs help. We rushed back to pick up Dan and 7 boxes to take to Luba’s Village and meet with the troubled kids. We arrived right on time and they were all waiting for us, about 13 boys and one girl. I spoke first, Howard followed and Dan finished. They all listened very well and we can only hope something stuck and will help them not be a disturbance in class and get their work done.
The 3 staff then opened the boxes and sorted clothing for the families of 3 little girls who came in. They have big and very poor families.
We left and rushed back to the garage and got the turn signal problem solved, then went to Yaroslav and Halia’s again to talk, but not before we had another 6 course meal for supper. We had a good talk with Halia but only time will tell if she will be willing to forsake her hold on the Charismatic teachings she has imbibed. Pray for Halia, she is a lovely woman.
And so to home and rest after a mixed up busy day, but a good and Godly one.
Pray for us and those who are coming next week, Louis Smith and Eric Fowler.
Malcolm, Howard Dan and Volodia.
Malcolm Report #6
Ukraine Report #6 for October 25-28
Thursday was a run-around get ready for the Conference in Lviv sort of day. We picked up the van from the shop and really appreciate the new stick shift. We also got some bulbs put in the instrument panel. Now we are ready to go to Lviv tomorrow.
We did some more shopping and then headed home to get ready for meeting at 7pm. Oleg and Ola and Igor, from the prison authority met with us and we had a good study of Isaiah 53. There was some lively discussion, mainly by Oleg, who does not think the Ukrainian bible is not as true or accurate as the Russian or English one. We concluded that he was probably right.
Friday we were making final arrangements as to those who are going to the Conference. Things are different in Ukraine to Conferences in N America. There are no homes of Christians that are able to host visitors, so they must all be housed elsewhere. A large Baptist church is rented, or at least a portion of it. We use a side hall that has a kitchen and then upstairs they have 3 floors of dormitories. This is not enough for all the visitors, so they also have to rent rooms in a local hostel that is quite nice, so they say.
We were to leave at 4pm sharp with a bus plus our own van. The group we met a week ago were coming with 16 people and they were in a bus we rented. Well some were late arriving and so our van left at 4:15 and they got away a 4:30. We went as quickly as possible as they had supper waiting for us in Lviv. We arrived at 6:30 and they had our soup and sandwiches waiting for us. The meeting started at 7pm and the other van arrived at about 7:10.
The meeting was for the gospel and a brother from Ireland, Dennis Williamson and Howard preached. After meeting we had lunch and then began the job of getting everyone into the right rooms. Not an easy job, I can tell you. Eventually we left, Howard and I and Yaroslav to stay at Flo’s apartment and Dan with Volodia at his home.
Saturday morning we all had breakfast at the Church and also had good fellowship with the invited guest. We know little about them but they were all the most gracious guests.
The first meeting was for Prayer and it went very well. It was followed right away with a bible reading in 1 Corinthians Ch 1, lead by Brother Williamson. There was good participation by several brethren.
After a good lunch, the meeting was for ministry of the word of God. Dan Perez spoke first, I was next and lastly Brother Williamson. The ministry was well received by all who listened. After this meeting we had a good supper again prepared by the sisters in the Lviv meeting.
The day was over and the Lutsk Christians went home to Lusk but we and the visitors stayed over for the Sunday morning meeting. We turned our clocks back one Hour before going to bed.
Sunday.
Meeting was at 11am in the Gospel Hall but we were ready by 9am because of the time change.
The brothers had setup enough chairs for our visitors. None were in the fellowship but there were seats for all. We were surprised to see a new man with a shaved head sitting with our guests. We found out they had found him on the street and he was willing to be brought to the meeting. They had shaved his head as he had lice and got him clean clothes. They are bringing him back to Ivano as they have a drug and alcohol rehab here.
We all headed home after a lunch at the hall and arrived in time for meeting at 5 pm. Had a nice number into the meeting.
Altogether, a most enjoyable weekend, trusting there will much Glory to God been seen.
Malcolm and Howard and Daniel.
Thursday was a run-around get ready for the Conference in Lviv sort of day. We picked up the van from the shop and really appreciate the new stick shift. We also got some bulbs put in the instrument panel. Now we are ready to go to Lviv tomorrow.
We did some more shopping and then headed home to get ready for meeting at 7pm. Oleg and Ola and Igor, from the prison authority met with us and we had a good study of Isaiah 53. There was some lively discussion, mainly by Oleg, who does not think the Ukrainian bible is not as true or accurate as the Russian or English one. We concluded that he was probably right.
Friday we were making final arrangements as to those who are going to the Conference. Things are different in Ukraine to Conferences in N America. There are no homes of Christians that are able to host visitors, so they must all be housed elsewhere. A large Baptist church is rented, or at least a portion of it. We use a side hall that has a kitchen and then upstairs they have 3 floors of dormitories. This is not enough for all the visitors, so they also have to rent rooms in a local hostel that is quite nice, so they say.
We were to leave at 4pm sharp with a bus plus our own van. The group we met a week ago were coming with 16 people and they were in a bus we rented. Well some were late arriving and so our van left at 4:15 and they got away a 4:30. We went as quickly as possible as they had supper waiting for us in Lviv. We arrived at 6:30 and they had our soup and sandwiches waiting for us. The meeting started at 7pm and the other van arrived at about 7:10.
The meeting was for the gospel and a brother from Ireland, Dennis Williamson and Howard preached. After meeting we had lunch and then began the job of getting everyone into the right rooms. Not an easy job, I can tell you. Eventually we left, Howard and I and Yaroslav to stay at Flo’s apartment and Dan with Volodia at his home.
Saturday morning we all had breakfast at the Church and also had good fellowship with the invited guest. We know little about them but they were all the most gracious guests.
The first meeting was for Prayer and it went very well. It was followed right away with a bible reading in 1 Corinthians Ch 1, lead by Brother Williamson. There was good participation by several brethren.
After a good lunch, the meeting was for ministry of the word of God. Dan Perez spoke first, I was next and lastly Brother Williamson. The ministry was well received by all who listened. After this meeting we had a good supper again prepared by the sisters in the Lviv meeting.
The day was over and the Lutsk Christians went home to Lusk but we and the visitors stayed over for the Sunday morning meeting. We turned our clocks back one Hour before going to bed.
Sunday.
Meeting was at 11am in the Gospel Hall but we were ready by 9am because of the time change.
The brothers had setup enough chairs for our visitors. None were in the fellowship but there were seats for all. We were surprised to see a new man with a shaved head sitting with our guests. We found out they had found him on the street and he was willing to be brought to the meeting. They had shaved his head as he had lice and got him clean clothes. They are bringing him back to Ivano as they have a drug and alcohol rehab here.
We all headed home after a lunch at the hall and arrived in time for meeting at 5 pm. Had a nice number into the meeting.
Altogether, a most enjoyable weekend, trusting there will much Glory to God been seen.
Malcolm and Howard and Daniel.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Maclolm Report #5
Ukraine Report #5 Oct 22-24th.
Monday We had an early start to go to a children’s rehab that is called a sanatorium over here. It is located in the foothills of the mountains and is the place I have mentioned before as having the worst roads I have ever had to drive on. However, we found a route that is a little longer but is a good road except for the last 20 or so Kms.
We arrived almost an hour early , due to the better roads, so went for coffee in a little “hole in the wall” cafe. A man who had a few too many vodka’s, noticed we were foreigners and wanted to talk and know all about us. He was still talking as we started to move away. Well at least we left him with a N/T and John 3:16.
We went to the sanatorium and were treated to hot chocolate and cookies before speaking to about 70 children and 10 staff. We really had a great time with good participation. I forgot to mention that Howard stayed back in the apartment to try and fight his sinus cold. He was feeling much better when we got home.
After the meeting we were treated to lunch before heading home.
Tuesday. We went to one of our favorite schools at Petriliv or Peter village and went straight to the school as the Mayor, who we usually visit, was away at a meeting. We were very happy to know we had arrived on the lady Administrator Hannah’s birthday, hence the 4 or 5 beautiful vases of flowers on her table. Before we went to speak to the children, we had to have lunch with her. Avery nice meal topped off with ice cream. We sang “Happy Birthday” to her and then explained that we who were visiting all had 2 birthdays. She listened very well.
We then went upstairs and spoke to all the children. As they do not have an auditorium, they all stand in a wide hallway which does not serve too well to keep their attention as they are rather crowded.
We hurried home to take the van in to get the gear shift mechanism replaced. We had no reverse for two days so had to be pushed out of parking spots at times. Glad to say they got it replaced and no more problems.
We walked over to the Solidarity building at 7pm and had a meeting with 6 people there. The subject being “How do you behave towards difficult or angry people?” One lady is newly saved and has an abusive drunk husband. We hope our remarks were helpful.
We are spending tomorrow getting ready for the Conference in Lviv on Friday - Sunday.
Thank you for caring and praying for us.
Malcolm Howard and Dan.
Monday We had an early start to go to a children’s rehab that is called a sanatorium over here. It is located in the foothills of the mountains and is the place I have mentioned before as having the worst roads I have ever had to drive on. However, we found a route that is a little longer but is a good road except for the last 20 or so Kms.
We arrived almost an hour early , due to the better roads, so went for coffee in a little “hole in the wall” cafe. A man who had a few too many vodka’s, noticed we were foreigners and wanted to talk and know all about us. He was still talking as we started to move away. Well at least we left him with a N/T and John 3:16.
We went to the sanatorium and were treated to hot chocolate and cookies before speaking to about 70 children and 10 staff. We really had a great time with good participation. I forgot to mention that Howard stayed back in the apartment to try and fight his sinus cold. He was feeling much better when we got home.
After the meeting we were treated to lunch before heading home.
Tuesday. We went to one of our favorite schools at Petriliv or Peter village and went straight to the school as the Mayor, who we usually visit, was away at a meeting. We were very happy to know we had arrived on the lady Administrator Hannah’s birthday, hence the 4 or 5 beautiful vases of flowers on her table. Before we went to speak to the children, we had to have lunch with her. Avery nice meal topped off with ice cream. We sang “Happy Birthday” to her and then explained that we who were visiting all had 2 birthdays. She listened very well.
We then went upstairs and spoke to all the children. As they do not have an auditorium, they all stand in a wide hallway which does not serve too well to keep their attention as they are rather crowded.
We came on home and prepared for our evening meeting. Good to see about 15 out once again.
Wednesday.
We went to the town of Pasishna, in the hills that we had visited last
week, when all the children were off. We were welcomed by the Vice
Principal who ran ahead of us, getting two classes into one at each
meeting. We eventually spoke 5 times so that would be to 10 classes.
These children were VERY well behaved and participated well when we
spoke. We hurried home to take the van in to get the gear shift mechanism replaced. We had no reverse for two days so had to be pushed out of parking spots at times. Glad to say they got it replaced and no more problems.
We walked over to the Solidarity building at 7pm and had a meeting with 6 people there. The subject being “How do you behave towards difficult or angry people?” One lady is newly saved and has an abusive drunk husband. We hope our remarks were helpful.
We are spending tomorrow getting ready for the Conference in Lviv on Friday - Sunday.
Thank you for caring and praying for us.
Malcolm Howard and Dan.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Malcolm's Report #4
Tuesday October 16.
We went out to a village that I had been to several years ago, but had
lost the name of the village and school. It is called Pasichna and is
situated in the foothills of the Carpathians. We arrived to find out
that school was out, no kids! Everything is centered on and around the
election right now and they thought they would have the week off so that
they could save on heating the school. WE had a very nice time with the
Principal; he remembered us from 6 years ago and welcomed us back. We
will go back next Wednesday when school will be in.
All was not lost as I remembered a beautiful river ravine with 2 waterfalls, so we climbed down and took some lovely pictures. It was really a lovely day. We did leave 4 boxes of clothes for the poor children at the school.
Ukraine Report #4 Oct 19-21
Friday. We were off early to Virhovina on the Romanian border, two and a half hours away. It was a lovely run with some mist at the beginning but it turned into a clear warm day.
Oxana the director was waiting for us and at 10 am we went into the auditorium and spoke to over 200 junior students. They listened very well as I and Dan spoke to them. We gave out all the balloons we had brought and all the pens with John 3:16 on them.
We then went to see the Auditorium that we had paid to have new windows in. They had filled in the one side with plywood and installed good vinyl windows on the south side to let in lots of light. They needed to repair the hot water radiators and have come up with a unique way of doing it. Instead of them all being all hooked up as one, each one will be separate, filled with antifreeze and an electric immersion heater fitted into the radiator. They will be operated independently on each thermostat. We were able to give them the money to buy the rest of the heaters still needed.
After a meal in the dining room we headed home; stopping to make an appointment at a new school on the way home.
At 5:30 we met with a group of Christians, renting a room at Solidarity, where we first met on coming to Ivano. The meeting was very good with some very good questions and comments. We are to go again on Tuesday next.
Sunday.
We had mentioned earlier about the church meeting in a nearby apartment and their invitation to attend their meeting on Sunday which we did. The reason being that we wanted to see how they held their meetings. They had told us that they had had no church teaching and were willing to hear us.
There were about 30 or 40 people present and there certainly seemed to want to do what was right in worshipping God .
I spoke first on 1John 3 and need to love since we have experienced God’s love in the giving of His only Son. Then Dan spoke on Romans 6:6 and the need to walk in the Spirit and see ourselves as crucified with Christ.
Howard was nursing a head plugged with a cold so did not speak. We later invited them to the Conference next weekend and about 10-15 men may come. Praise the Lord.
Thank you.
Malcolm, Howard and Dan.
All was not lost as I remembered a beautiful river ravine with 2 waterfalls, so we climbed down and took some lovely pictures. It was really a lovely day. We did leave 4 boxes of clothes for the poor children at the school.
Ukraine Report #4 Oct 19-21
Friday. We were off early to Virhovina on the Romanian border, two and a half hours away. It was a lovely run with some mist at the beginning but it turned into a clear warm day.
Oxana the director was waiting for us and at 10 am we went into the auditorium and spoke to over 200 junior students. They listened very well as I and Dan spoke to them. We gave out all the balloons we had brought and all the pens with John 3:16 on them.
We then went to see the Auditorium that we had paid to have new windows in. They had filled in the one side with plywood and installed good vinyl windows on the south side to let in lots of light. They needed to repair the hot water radiators and have come up with a unique way of doing it. Instead of them all being all hooked up as one, each one will be separate, filled with antifreeze and an electric immersion heater fitted into the radiator. They will be operated independently on each thermostat. We were able to give them the money to buy the rest of the heaters still needed.
After a meal in the dining room we headed home; stopping to make an appointment at a new school on the way home.
At 5:30 we met with a group of Christians, renting a room at Solidarity, where we first met on coming to Ivano. The meeting was very good with some very good questions and comments. We are to go again on Tuesday next.
Saturday.
We needed to get a rattle underneath the van fixed and when this was
done, we asked where there was a windshield repair place and were sent
to a very busy place who said he could replace it in half an hour. We
came back in half an hour and they started right away. In just about one
hour, it was installed. Cost of each window and installation was
$122.00? An amazing price.
We
were invited to join Oleg and Olah for supper and went to the Black
Castle restaurant and had a lovely meal. We had live entertainment while
we ate, as some folks had paid for a disc jockey. Very loud for most of
the time, no drunkenness or anything else though. Sunday.
We had mentioned earlier about the church meeting in a nearby apartment and their invitation to attend their meeting on Sunday which we did. The reason being that we wanted to see how they held their meetings. They had told us that they had had no church teaching and were willing to hear us.
There were about 30 or 40 people present and there certainly seemed to want to do what was right in worshipping God .
I spoke first on 1John 3 and need to love since we have experienced God’s love in the giving of His only Son. Then Dan spoke on Romans 6:6 and the need to walk in the Spirit and see ourselves as crucified with Christ.
Howard was nursing a head plugged with a cold so did not speak. We later invited them to the Conference next weekend and about 10-15 men may come. Praise the Lord.
We had our meeting at 3:30 with a good number out. Howard and I spoke.
Please
make specific prayer for a situation with 2 families that come out to
meeting. There is a “war” between them, mainly over their children. It
is too complicated to share here but pray for Luba and Oxana, the
mothers. Thank you.
Malcolm, Howard and Dan.
Malcolm's Report #3
Ukraine report #3 October 17-18 2012
Wednesday.
Woke to a cloudy cool day, but no frost yet as far as we know. Dan and Volodia had gone out early to swim but came back later saying that they did not swim because Volodia forgot his trunks and Dan forgot his money!! Well they made up for it by going to the park and working out on the things there. On the way home they went to the vehicle locksmith to get one of the door electric locks adjusted.
We did not have a visit planned for today so went and paid for 3 months rent, I also needed a new memory stick for my camera.
At 3pm, Ruslan arrived with Edmund and Agnes from Lviv. We unloaded the bibles they had brought us and then went for and early supper. The meeting started at 7pm with about 15 people out. Ruslan gave a very good message followed by Howard. It was a good meeting.
One our regular ladies at the meeting, Maria, brought 2 men to the meeting. They listened very well and then asked that we would go and visit them. We found they just lived around the corner from us on the 6th floor with no elevator.
When we got to the apartment there were about 12 people there. 9 men and 3 women. The spokesman was Anatoly. He explained that all except the women were ex-drug users and or alcoholics. Most had served time in prison, including Anatoly. They had all come to Christ in different way and places. Some got saved in prison and some after coming to this group of people. The oldest lady was a doctor and had got saved and left the Greek Orthodox Church, she gave her testimony along with all the men. It was exciting to hear.
They were meeting as a church in a rented building, about 40 of them and asked if we could give them teaching. We told them what we believe and how we meet and they are very eager to hear more. Please pray for wisdom to minister to this group.
Thursday.
Went to the village of Sniatin to a men’s home. We have been there many times and are welcomed very much to speak to both staff and the men who are mentally challenged but some can read and write, so all is not lost. When we arrived we noticed many cars parked there. We went inside and found everyone in the dining room, being fed a great meal of chicken, cabbage rolls, salad and much more. The people bringing the food were a group called Round Table from Lviv. They were part of a Ukrainian Catholic group and had a young priest with them.
We had our meeting at 7pm for those who are interested in Bible study. Only one man showed, Igor the man who worked for the prison administration. He is very interested in what we say.
And so to bed, very tired and having to be up at 6:30 in the morning.
Keep praying for the remainder of our time here.
Malcolm , Howard and Dan.
Wednesday.
Woke to a cloudy cool day, but no frost yet as far as we know. Dan and Volodia had gone out early to swim but came back later saying that they did not swim because Volodia forgot his trunks and Dan forgot his money!! Well they made up for it by going to the park and working out on the things there. On the way home they went to the vehicle locksmith to get one of the door electric locks adjusted.
We did not have a visit planned for today so went and paid for 3 months rent, I also needed a new memory stick for my camera.
At 3pm, Ruslan arrived with Edmund and Agnes from Lviv. We unloaded the bibles they had brought us and then went for and early supper. The meeting started at 7pm with about 15 people out. Ruslan gave a very good message followed by Howard. It was a good meeting.
One our regular ladies at the meeting, Maria, brought 2 men to the meeting. They listened very well and then asked that we would go and visit them. We found they just lived around the corner from us on the 6th floor with no elevator.
When we got to the apartment there were about 12 people there. 9 men and 3 women. The spokesman was Anatoly. He explained that all except the women were ex-drug users and or alcoholics. Most had served time in prison, including Anatoly. They had all come to Christ in different way and places. Some got saved in prison and some after coming to this group of people. The oldest lady was a doctor and had got saved and left the Greek Orthodox Church, she gave her testimony along with all the men. It was exciting to hear.
They were meeting as a church in a rented building, about 40 of them and asked if we could give them teaching. We told them what we believe and how we meet and they are very eager to hear more. Please pray for wisdom to minister to this group.
Thursday.
Went to the village of Sniatin to a men’s home. We have been there many times and are welcomed very much to speak to both staff and the men who are mentally challenged but some can read and write, so all is not lost. When we arrived we noticed many cars parked there. We went inside and found everyone in the dining room, being fed a great meal of chicken, cabbage rolls, salad and much more. The people bringing the food were a group called Round Table from Lviv. They were part of a Ukrainian Catholic group and had a young priest with them.
The
Administrator Leonid introduced us to the group with great enthusiasm.
The priest gave a word after the meal and then I spoke. I told everyone
how glad we were that the priest had emphasized the reading and
understanding the Word of God. I then went on to tell them of God’s plan
for man in giving His Son to die on the cross and that His blood cleans
us from all sin. I then sat with him and had a nice talk. I guess you
never know what might develop.
We
came home and went to visit a lady who is probably dying of cancer in
the lymph nodes. She is in great pain but not saved as far as we know.
We did have a good opportunity to give her the gospel. We had our meeting at 7pm for those who are interested in Bible study. Only one man showed, Igor the man who worked for the prison administration. He is very interested in what we say.
And so to bed, very tired and having to be up at 6:30 in the morning.
Keep praying for the remainder of our time here.
Malcolm , Howard and Dan.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Malcolm's Report #2
Ukraine report #2 For October 13-15. 2012
Saturday. Spent the day with Agnes and Edmund deciding what we will do in the future weeks. We went to see the man Paul, who is getting us a van to replace the one in Lviv. He brought up the picture on the computer, it is in Holland. It looked good and he will go and look at it and bring it back if he is satisfied. Most of the good used vehicles in Ukraine are brought from either Poland, Germany, Holland or Belgium. We were going to give out tracts in the centre of Lviv, but it rained and then Jet lag set in and we went to bed rather early.
Well we went to bed early but I was still awake at 3am. I stayed awake all night. I got some studying done for two meetings and so it was not wasted time. It was not until Howard reminded me that we had two cups of coffee after 4pm, that I realized what my problem was. It was the first time this has ever happened.
Sunday. We walked over to the meeting at 11am as it is only 10 minutes walk from the apartment. It was nice to see all the saints again. All except one brother were there. A deaf and dumb couple have been coming to the meetings and were there as well. Dan and Volodia were in from Ivano as well as Luba and her daughter. Howard ministered the word after meeting and I spoke the last 15 minutes. I spoke on the importance of being at the week-night meetings and trying to arrange to be there, even though it might cost you something, but that God was no mans debtor.
After a good lunch, we headed to the apartment to get our bags, but before this we packed a number of boxes of new testaments into the van. It finished up being very full and very heavy. We were late leaving but made good time and got to the apartment just in time to start meeting in Ivano. Only about 12 were out but we were encouraged. We were glad to get to bed in good time and hope we will be free now of out jet-lag.
Monday.
For some years now, I have wanted to find a place in the hills, where we visited one large school and several satellite schools but could never find anyone who knew where it was. A man Yaroslav has been coming to meetings and I remembered he had come with us to this school. Today he guided to the town of Pasishna and this was the place. There was only one problem; the kids were all on holiday! We had a good visit with the Principal and made an appointment to visit next week. They have over 600 children, without the satellite schools. So that the trip was not totally wasted, we went to visit a beautiful waterfall, in fact two waterfalls in the same ravine. It was well worth the mountain road drive although the van probably didn’t think so!
We then came home and went to meet Andrei and a lady named Miroslava who want Dan to go and teach a group of students Christian Ethics, as they call it, once a week. He will give it a try but will be using an Emmaus course on bible and the gospel.
We then went to our famous “basement Ukrainian Restaurant” for a good supper and then back to sort some boxes that we were just made aware had been received last July. This will be all for now. We will be reporting later in the week.
Keep praying.
Dan Malcolm and Howard
Saturday. Spent the day with Agnes and Edmund deciding what we will do in the future weeks. We went to see the man Paul, who is getting us a van to replace the one in Lviv. He brought up the picture on the computer, it is in Holland. It looked good and he will go and look at it and bring it back if he is satisfied. Most of the good used vehicles in Ukraine are brought from either Poland, Germany, Holland or Belgium. We were going to give out tracts in the centre of Lviv, but it rained and then Jet lag set in and we went to bed rather early.
Well we went to bed early but I was still awake at 3am. I stayed awake all night. I got some studying done for two meetings and so it was not wasted time. It was not until Howard reminded me that we had two cups of coffee after 4pm, that I realized what my problem was. It was the first time this has ever happened.
Sunday. We walked over to the meeting at 11am as it is only 10 minutes walk from the apartment. It was nice to see all the saints again. All except one brother were there. A deaf and dumb couple have been coming to the meetings and were there as well. Dan and Volodia were in from Ivano as well as Luba and her daughter. Howard ministered the word after meeting and I spoke the last 15 minutes. I spoke on the importance of being at the week-night meetings and trying to arrange to be there, even though it might cost you something, but that God was no mans debtor.
After a good lunch, we headed to the apartment to get our bags, but before this we packed a number of boxes of new testaments into the van. It finished up being very full and very heavy. We were late leaving but made good time and got to the apartment just in time to start meeting in Ivano. Only about 12 were out but we were encouraged. We were glad to get to bed in good time and hope we will be free now of out jet-lag.
Monday.
For some years now, I have wanted to find a place in the hills, where we visited one large school and several satellite schools but could never find anyone who knew where it was. A man Yaroslav has been coming to meetings and I remembered he had come with us to this school. Today he guided to the town of Pasishna and this was the place. There was only one problem; the kids were all on holiday! We had a good visit with the Principal and made an appointment to visit next week. They have over 600 children, without the satellite schools. So that the trip was not totally wasted, we went to visit a beautiful waterfall, in fact two waterfalls in the same ravine. It was well worth the mountain road drive although the van probably didn’t think so!
We then came home and went to meet Andrei and a lady named Miroslava who want Dan to go and teach a group of students Christian Ethics, as they call it, once a week. He will give it a try but will be using an Emmaus course on bible and the gospel.
We then went to our famous “basement Ukrainian Restaurant” for a good supper and then back to sort some boxes that we were just made aware had been received last July. This will be all for now. We will be reporting later in the week.
Keep praying.
Dan Malcolm and Howard
Malcolm's Report #1
Ukraine Report #1 October 2012 From Oct.10 -12.
Howard Pratt and I arrive safely in Lviv, on Wednesday October 10th. The flights were good and on time, but tiring because of quite long wait times. This much better than having short wait times between flights, if the plane happens to be late arriving.
This was our first time we had not been met by Flo Kancir and was rather sad, however, faithful Ruslan and Edmund and Agnes Johnson were all there to meet us. The arrivals process was amazing in the massive new airport. It was my first time in it. It was completed in time for the World soccer games, one sector of which was played in the new Stadium in Lviv. We were in and out of the terminal in less than 10 minutes. 10 or 12 customs officers and no questions!
We took our bags to the “empty” apartment that was Flo’s. It had been cleaned up beautifully by Ruslan and his wife Tania. we then went to Edmund and Agnes for supper. Then headed to prayer and ministry meeting, where we were asked to give a wee word. Well I almost missed the ministry as I dozed off in the prayer meeting but woke up with a jolt! I guess we usually have a sleep when we arrive, but not this time. However I think it was the best thing for us to have done, as we both slept for 8 hours and have not suffered from jet lag as yet.
Edmund had arranged for us to go to the Carpathian mountains and visit the needy people there on Thursday. We headed out at 10am, loaded up with 3 boxes of clothing and food for about 20 families. We were met by Natalia, the first guide we had, who says she was saved when interpreting for me from the 2-roads Chart, many years ago. She was able to take us to the families who need the food the most. We went to her sister’s house (who has 14 children) and a group of women and children had arrived by the time we had had some tea and a snack. I was selected to speak to the people before we gave out the clothing and food. As I spoke of the appointment we will all have with death and spoke of Flo’s dying, several ladies were tearful as they remembered her kindness for so many years. I impressed them with the possibility of being with her when they die, if they only trust Christ.
We were quite tired as we travelled home but had enough strength to eat a good supper with Edmund and Agnes. Then home to bed and another good sleep.
We planned to go to the Bible Society and get some bibles we had paid for when last here, but had not picked up yet. We found there were 40 boxes of them. They were really heavy and filled the back of the van.
Tonight there was a bibles study at the meeting. It went well, but 4 of the men were missing. Some working away from home, some, sadly not making an effort to get out to the weeknight meetings. This is a typical problem here that, when God blesses and finds them work, they allow it to keep them from coming to meetings. This is a very hard decision for the men to make, seeing that they make such poor wages. We would like to encourage them that God is no man’s debtor. Edmund would like us to address this problem probably on Sunday DV.
Howard Pratt and I arrive safely in Lviv, on Wednesday October 10th. The flights were good and on time, but tiring because of quite long wait times. This much better than having short wait times between flights, if the plane happens to be late arriving.
This was our first time we had not been met by Flo Kancir and was rather sad, however, faithful Ruslan and Edmund and Agnes Johnson were all there to meet us. The arrivals process was amazing in the massive new airport. It was my first time in it. It was completed in time for the World soccer games, one sector of which was played in the new Stadium in Lviv. We were in and out of the terminal in less than 10 minutes. 10 or 12 customs officers and no questions!
We took our bags to the “empty” apartment that was Flo’s. It had been cleaned up beautifully by Ruslan and his wife Tania. we then went to Edmund and Agnes for supper. Then headed to prayer and ministry meeting, where we were asked to give a wee word. Well I almost missed the ministry as I dozed off in the prayer meeting but woke up with a jolt! I guess we usually have a sleep when we arrive, but not this time. However I think it was the best thing for us to have done, as we both slept for 8 hours and have not suffered from jet lag as yet.
Edmund had arranged for us to go to the Carpathian mountains and visit the needy people there on Thursday. We headed out at 10am, loaded up with 3 boxes of clothing and food for about 20 families. We were met by Natalia, the first guide we had, who says she was saved when interpreting for me from the 2-roads Chart, many years ago. She was able to take us to the families who need the food the most. We went to her sister’s house (who has 14 children) and a group of women and children had arrived by the time we had had some tea and a snack. I was selected to speak to the people before we gave out the clothing and food. As I spoke of the appointment we will all have with death and spoke of Flo’s dying, several ladies were tearful as they remembered her kindness for so many years. I impressed them with the possibility of being with her when they die, if they only trust Christ.
We were quite tired as we travelled home but had enough strength to eat a good supper with Edmund and Agnes. Then home to bed and another good sleep.
We planned to go to the Bible Society and get some bibles we had paid for when last here, but had not picked up yet. We found there were 40 boxes of them. They were really heavy and filled the back of the van.
Tonight there was a bibles study at the meeting. It went well, but 4 of the men were missing. Some working away from home, some, sadly not making an effort to get out to the weeknight meetings. This is a typical problem here that, when God blesses and finds them work, they allow it to keep them from coming to meetings. This is a very hard decision for the men to make, seeing that they make such poor wages. We would like to encourage them that God is no man’s debtor. Edmund would like us to address this problem probably on Sunday DV.
All for now. Please pray for us as we seek to know God’s direction for each day that we are here.
Malcolm & Howard
Friday, October 5, 2012
Dan update - Sept 29
September 29, 2012 #55
Saturday) Oleg and Olah and their friend named Sergei and I went to a small village where
they have a small three room house, about 40 min. from Ivano. When we got there the house
was broken into and they had stolen all the metal from the house even took the electrical
conduit from within the walls. They had been too busy to make a trip out to the house and this
was the first time in two years.
There is another village we go through, just before theirs, so we decided to give a New
Testament and bible text to those we would see on the roads of these two villages. We wanted
to encourage them to read their Bible for it tells Gods Salvation plan. The people we met were
very thankful and gladly received it! Then we had a picnic by a river bank nearby, it was a very
nice time together!
Sunday) I went up to Lviv with Luba and her son for the breaking of bread. It was great to
remember Him who remembered us even unto death!
Brought Vladimir and his dog Bruno back with me to Ivano, made it in time for our meeting. All
listened well even Bruno!
Monday) did some work to the Van and took it back to the place where we had the alarm put
in; the doors were not closing as we pressed the close button. We were there for a few hours
but they did find the problem, it wasn’t the alarm but the motors that operated the locks to
open and close. We had both the driver’s and passenger’s side replaced. Works great now and
very comforting to know that when you lock the van that it is actually locked!
Tuesday) Went to CTO repair shop for them to see if they can fix the stick shift. To adjust this is
very difficult and few here in Ivano know how to do this but this shop did it last time for us and
hoped they could do it this time! A young man, maybe even a boy came to look at it, we pop
open the hood and he has a can of WD-40. He moved all kinds of wires and did a lot of spraying
with the WD-40 and in just a few minutes he told me to see how it felt, I thought to myself this
little boy doesn’t know what he is doing. I was so surprise how much smoother the stick went
into each gear, he said there was some dust build up and it happens from time to time.
I paid them for the work, just 20hgr or about $ 2.50! Thanks to God for His help!
Then came back to get ready for the meeting and on the way in I started to talk to a Russian
man that once asked me for a Bible in Russian. We talked for a bit and then he said to me”
there is no God” and went on to quote some Polish philosopher. I told him there were some
errors in this philosopher’s thinking and went on to tell him some facts of Scriptures. I was quite
surprised how well he listened. I then said we should talk more about this together at another
time, he agreed. Then had our meeting and all listened well including our new roommate
Bruno, I had Vladimir interpret but was good to see Svetlana at the meeting too!
Wednesday) had a few meetings with people in the morning then headed up to Lviv for their
evening meeting. Had dinner with Edmund and Agnes at their new apartment and after went to
the meeting. Though a small group, was a good meeting and a good time spent with Edmund
and Agnes! Headed back to Ivano, was a long day and a late night!
Malcolm Stanley and Howard Pratt will be coming to Ukraine next week Wednesday, please
pray for their safety in their travels and time here and for God’s blessing with this work, His
work here in Ukraine!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD
Dan
Saturday) Oleg and Olah and their friend named Sergei and I went to a small village where
they have a small three room house, about 40 min. from Ivano. When we got there the house
was broken into and they had stolen all the metal from the house even took the electrical
conduit from within the walls. They had been too busy to make a trip out to the house and this
was the first time in two years.
There is another village we go through, just before theirs, so we decided to give a New
Testament and bible text to those we would see on the roads of these two villages. We wanted
to encourage them to read their Bible for it tells Gods Salvation plan. The people we met were
very thankful and gladly received it! Then we had a picnic by a river bank nearby, it was a very
nice time together!
Sunday) I went up to Lviv with Luba and her son for the breaking of bread. It was great to
remember Him who remembered us even unto death!
Brought Vladimir and his dog Bruno back with me to Ivano, made it in time for our meeting. All
listened well even Bruno!
Monday) did some work to the Van and took it back to the place where we had the alarm put
in; the doors were not closing as we pressed the close button. We were there for a few hours
but they did find the problem, it wasn’t the alarm but the motors that operated the locks to
open and close. We had both the driver’s and passenger’s side replaced. Works great now and
very comforting to know that when you lock the van that it is actually locked!
Tuesday) Went to CTO repair shop for them to see if they can fix the stick shift. To adjust this is
very difficult and few here in Ivano know how to do this but this shop did it last time for us and
hoped they could do it this time! A young man, maybe even a boy came to look at it, we pop
open the hood and he has a can of WD-40. He moved all kinds of wires and did a lot of spraying
with the WD-40 and in just a few minutes he told me to see how it felt, I thought to myself this
little boy doesn’t know what he is doing. I was so surprise how much smoother the stick went
into each gear, he said there was some dust build up and it happens from time to time.
I paid them for the work, just 20hgr or about $ 2.50! Thanks to God for His help!
Then came back to get ready for the meeting and on the way in I started to talk to a Russian
man that once asked me for a Bible in Russian. We talked for a bit and then he said to me”
there is no God” and went on to quote some Polish philosopher. I told him there were some
errors in this philosopher’s thinking and went on to tell him some facts of Scriptures. I was quite
surprised how well he listened. I then said we should talk more about this together at another
time, he agreed. Then had our meeting and all listened well including our new roommate
Bruno, I had Vladimir interpret but was good to see Svetlana at the meeting too!
Wednesday) had a few meetings with people in the morning then headed up to Lviv for their
evening meeting. Had dinner with Edmund and Agnes at their new apartment and after went to
the meeting. Though a small group, was a good meeting and a good time spent with Edmund
and Agnes! Headed back to Ivano, was a long day and a late night!
Malcolm Stanley and Howard Pratt will be coming to Ukraine next week Wednesday, please
pray for their safety in their travels and time here and for God’s blessing with this work, His
work here in Ukraine!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD
Dan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)